Gynecological Malignancies

1. Cervical Cancer: Cancer originating from the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
Causes: Primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), especially HPV-16 and HPV-18.
Symptoms: Abnormal vaginal bleeding (e.g., bleeding after intercourse or between periods), Unusual vaginal discharge (e.g., watery, pink, or foul-smelling), Pelvic pain, Pain during intercourse
Diagnosis: Pap Smear: Screening test to detect precancerous changes in cervical cells, HPV Testing:
Detects the presence of high-risk HPV types, Colposcopy: Visual examination of the cervix using a colposcope, Biopsy: Removal and examination of cervical tissue to confirm cancer.
Management: Surgery: Options include conization, hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), or radical hysterectomy for more advanced cases.
Radiation Therapy: Used in combination with or as an alternative to surgery for localized cancer.
Chemotherapy: Used for advanced cases or when cancer has spread.
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: Emerging treatments for specific cases.

2. Ovarian Cancer: Cancer that begins in the ovaries, which are the reproductive organs that produce eggs.
Types: Includes epithelial ovarian cancer (most common), germ cell tumors, and stromal tumors.
Symptoms: Abdominal or pelvic pain, Bloating, Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, Changes in urinary habits (e.g., frequent urination)
Diagnosis: Pelvic Ultrasound: Imaging to evaluate the ovaries, CA-125 Blood Test: Measures levels of a protein that may be elevated in ovarian cancer, CT Scan/MRI: Imaging to assess the extent of the disease,
Biopsy: Often performed during surgery to confirm diagnosis.
Management: Surgery, Chemotherapy Often administered after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells, Targeted Therapy Drugs that specifically target cancer cells (e.g., bevacizumab).
Hormone Therapy: For some cases, especially if the cancer is hormone-sensitive.

3. Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer: Cancer of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus.
Types: Includes endometrioid carcinoma (most common) and other less common types.
Symptoms: Abnormal vaginal bleeding (e.g., heavy bleeding or bleeding between periods), Pelvic pain, Pain during intercourse, Unusual vaginal discharge
Diagnosis: Endometrial Biopsy: Procedure to remove a small sample of the endometrium for analysis.
Ultrasound: Transvaginal ultrasound to assess the thickness of the endometrial lining.
D&C (Dilatation and Curettage): Surgical procedure to obtain tissue samples.
Management: Surgery: Total abdominal hysterectomy with or without bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
Radiation Therapy: For localized cancer or as an adjunct to surgery.
Chemotherapy: For more advanced or aggressive cancers, Hormone Therapy: Especially for hormone receptor-positive cancers.

4. Vulvar Cancer: Cancer affecting the external genitalia (vulva).
Risk Factors: Includes HPV infection, chronic vulvar irritation, and certain skin conditions.
Symptoms: Itching or burning of the vulva, Abnormal lumps or sores on the vulva, Bleeding or discharge from the vulva, Pain during intercourse
Diagnosis: Physical Examination: Includes visual examination of the vulva, Biopsy: Removal and analysis of vulvar tissue, Imaging: Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to determine the extent of the disease.
Management: Surgery: Local excision, vulvectomy, or sentinel node biopsy depending on the stage,
Chemotherapy: For advanced cases or in combination with radiation.

5. Vaginal Cancer: Cancer that begins in the vagina.
Types: Includes squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
Symptoms: Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge,Pain during intercourse, Pelvic pain
Diagnosis: Physical Examination: Visual and physical examination of the vagina, Biopsy, CT scan or MRI to assess the spread of cancer.
Management: Surgery: Includes local excision or radical surgery depending on the extent,
Chemotherapy: Used for more advanced cases or as an adjunct to radiation.

6) Breast cancer: is a type of cancer that originates in the cells of the breast. It primarily affects women but can also occur in men. The disease typically starts in the milk ducts or lobules of the breast and may
spread to surrounding tissues or other parts of the body if not detected early.
Risk Factors: Genetics, Family History, Age, Hormonal Factors, Lifestyle.
Symptoms: A lump or mass in the breast or underarm area, Changes in breast shape, size, or texture,
Skin changes like dimpling or redness, Discharge from the nipple.
Diagnosis: Mammography: Regular screening can detect early signs of breast cancer, Ultrasound and MRI These imaging tests help evaluate abnormalities.
Biopsy A sample of breast tissue is examined to confirm cancer.
Treatment: Surgery Options include lumpectomy (removing the tumor) or mastectomy (removing one or both breasts), Radiation Therapy Targets and kills cancer cells in specific areas.
Chemotherapy Uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.
Hormone Therapy Blocks or removes hormones that fuel cancer growth.
Targeted Therapy Targets specific molecules involved in cancer growth.